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Greenland Prefinished Engineered Hardwood Flooring Installation Remark
-By FloorUS.com
Glue-down Installation
Glue-down installation requires the use of a bonding agent or adhesives applied
directly onto the subfloor. Before the introduction of floating floors, glue-down
is the recommended method for use over concrete subfloors, and when installing engineered
strip or plank wood flooring. Glue-down can also be used over wood subfloors.
Glue-down installation can be very stable when done properly, although it does take
some time before you can actually walk on your floors. The adhesives will need to
bond to the floor, and can be quite messy especially when done by a less skilled
installer.
Another important consideration in using glue-down installation is your choice of
adhesives. Some manufacturers even recommend a certain brand. To avoid warranty
issues, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Glue down installations are the most likely installation type to fail when not done
by a professional.
If you’re planning on installing using the glue-down method, here are a few general
steps that you should follow:
- Evaluate the job site and check for satisfactory work conditions. Your subfloor
must be clean and dry.
- Make sure that you have conducted your moisture test and have acclimatized the floors
prior to installation.
- Use the recommended trowel to achieve the required spread rate and ridging height.
Normally this is a 1/8” square notched trowel, but consult manufacturer's recommendations
to ensure your warranty is not voided.
- Choose a wall to start on and when positioning your first row, the grooves should
be against the wall.
- Install tongue into groove and check for a tight fit between edges and ends. Lift
board periodically to check adhesive transfer.
- Prevent adhesive bleed-through and memory pull back by avoiding sliding through
the adhesives.
Manufacturers will provide you with a detailed instruction on floating your floors.
Follow these instructions so as not to void your warranty.
Floating Installations
Floating Installation is the most do-it-yourself friendly installation method because
it is the easiest and the fastest to do, and it does not require any special skills
or prior experience in installing floors. First used on laminate and engineered
wood, the practicality and straightforward process of this installation method has
pushed manufacturers to re-design their wood flooring products and make it – for
the lack of a better term – "floatable".
Wooden floors are floated above the subfloor, allowing for the natural expansion
and contraction of the floor. It is not directly attached to the subfloor with a
glue or nail. Some manufacturers still require the use of adhesives, but only to
join boards (bonding the tongue & groove).
An underlayment is required with this installation to prevent contact between the
floor and the subfloor, and more importantly, to serve as moisture barrier and insulation.
Based on the underlayment chosen, this can reduce the amount of noise transmitted
by your floor. Underlayments can be made of foam, plastic, or cork, depending on
manufacturer’s recommendation or your personal choice. Also note that if you are
installing over a concrete subfloor you MUST use a moisture/vapor barrier. Some
combination underlayments include moisture barrier, but premium underlayments like
cork or the Sound 6 Barrier Acoustical Underlayment do not. Consult a flooring specialist
when purchasing underlayment to ensure if you need a moisture barrier or not.
If you’re planning on installing using the floating method, here are a few general
steps that you should follow:
- Evaluate the job site and check for satisfactory work conditions. Your subfloor
must be clean, dry and FLAT.
- Make sure that you have conducted your moisture test and have acclimatized the floors
prior to installation.
- Install underlayment and moisture barrier.
- Install your floors, making sure that the boards are straight and the joints fitted
snuggly. Use a tapping block to knock the pieces together, and clamps to keep the
connections tight.
- Leave enough room for wood floor expansion and contraction.
- After installing, add the transitions, trims and base molding to cover the expansion
gaps.
Manufacturers will provide you with a detailed instruction on floating your floors.
Follow these instructions so as not to void your warranty.
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